I had a Facelift with Dr. Murray in May of 2021. He is not a surgeon who has a fluffy website full of photos... nor does he advertise on social media. His reputation stands alone. He is an experienced surgeon who is professional and a perfectionist. I had zero bruising and my scars are invisible. I am having a breast procedure in three weeks and he was outstanding in what he suggested for me to have done, in order to achieve the results that I wanted. Very reasonable fee structure as well. I have photos is anyone would like to see them.
Had my breast reduction with dr Murray on February 19.2020. He got me the look I was hoping for! The incisions are neat and healing really well, with only a few spots of blood! Recovery is going much better that I expected and barely any pain. There was only a bit of yellow bruising and that is almost gone now 10 days post op. They seem to be settling nicely and look like they will be the size I hoped for(32d, from a 32g or 30gg). And I have more feeling in both nipples than I previously did! And hubby approves;)
Hey everyone! I've decided to share my experience on Realself because I have been reading everyone's stories obsessively as I wait for my own procedure and have found it incredibly helpful. I am 30 years old. 2 years ago I weighed 270 pounds -emotional binge eater , I was uncomfortable and ready for real change. I started living a low carb lifestyle. After the initial first cpl weeks I felt amazing, I had so much energy. I started working out regularly and I am now 178 pounds. (Down 92 pounds- naturally). I don't plan on ever going back to eating sugar and starch. My body just doesn't agree with it. Anywayyyy after all that weight loss I am left with a melted tummy. (Thighs are pretty squishy too and I've lost all my boobs- I used to be a G cup). The thighs and breasts will have to wait as it isn't in the budget right now. After the weight loss I was looking into getting a panniculectomy as my stomach hungover my midline and was very uncomfortable and the skin is tearing underneath. I did my research and found out that Manitoba Health could pay for the procedure. I discussed it with a friend who had a panniculectomy herself and had seen Dr. Ken Murray. She was happy with her results so I asked my Dr to refer me to him. She did and next thing you know I was at my consultation (July 2017). Dr. Murray s office applied to Manitoba health for me and within 6 weeks I got a letter of approval in the mail. The staff was great and I was thrilled! The nurse said I'd likely be going in for my panniculectomy by Christmas!!! After that I waited and waited. I started worrying about my belly button... Because this was being covered by insurance and wasn't considered "cosmetic" would I lose it? Would it be too low? I panicked and made another appt. At that appointment I discussed it with Dr Murray and he made me feel better - no I would not lose my belly button... but because I also had lose skin above my belly button and extending around my hips... what would be ideal would be to include a vertical reduction as well. This would remove rhe most amount of skin and pull in the excess skin on my hips and hopefully help us avoid any dog ears that may form. I wasnt thrilled about the idea of a vertical scar as well as the horizontal hip to hip scar. But i do want the best result. I so have a pretty hourglass figure and I wanted to keep a small waist (not be too boxy) and scars don't really bug me... kinda bad ass actually ;) plus I'm loud and proud about my weight loss accomplishments and this surgery isn't happening discreetly. I'm very proud. So there it was. My decision was made. So now the procedure will be like a Fluer De Lis abdominoplasty without the muscle repair (which I really don't think I'll need anyway. I do not have any children and I workout regularly and cannot feel any separation in my abdominal muscles when I check. (Lay on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, place your fingers on your midline, lift your head-do a little crunch and press feel up and down along ur midline.) The procedure now had a cosmetic aspect to it so it was now also going to cost me $2000. Which I thought was very reasonable... and also now that we weren't waiting on mb health to book a surgical room and I was a paying customer -the DR was able to schedule something sooner. So I had originally said they were going to get me into surgery around Christmas time.... turns out that was an optimistic estimate by the nurse... My surgery was scheduled for March 6 (and that was getting in sooner because now I'm paying... I would have had to wait longer....) that part was difficult only because I am really excited and impatient but I understand that's just how it is. So I started prepping for surgery.... obsessively reading reviews, how to prepare, recovery tips etc. I'm already getting things ready... packing a bag (I live alone so I will be staying with my grandma for a couple weeks after surgery). I've got a big Rubbermaid bin I have filled with supplies, ... laxatives, pain killers, surgical tape, dry shampoo, baby wipes, books, knitting needles and yarn (grandma's going to teach me... I figure I'll need something to occupy my time) etc.) Plus grandma has a walker and hospital bed at home from when grandpa was sick And she's very experienced with helping him after many many surgeries. Then last week I get a call from the surgeons office... St. Boniface hospital cannot accommodate my surgery on march 6 and we need to change the surgery date. The nurse offers me Feb 20 and im THRILLED!!!! I wanted to do this sooner so that i can be healed for summertime. (I want to take part in a fun obstacle course mud race) and get back to exercising as soon as I'm cleared. I am sooooo excited for this surgery. I will update when I've got more to share! I am including before pictures. Thanks for reading and I can't wait to update after my procedure! Updated on 10 Feb 2018: My surgery is 10 days away! I'm freaking out! I've been stressed out and not eating much. Trying to get everything caught up at work, since I will be off for 5 weeks. Sometimes I think that it's good. Go in as light as possible. Other times I think 10 days before is too close to be malnourished. I want recovery to go well. I see the anesthesiologist on Monday. Hoping he can calm my nerves. I'm also starting to freak out a little about the vertical scar but it's important to me to keep my hourglass figure that's under all this skin somewhere... and I know I'll get the best result with the fluer we lis.... I'll tattoo over the scar eventually. Anyway I'll post a couple more before pictures and update again soon. Updated on 10 Feb 2018: Taken 10 days before surgery. Updated on 10 Feb 2018: Updated on 19 Feb 2018: I am so excited and so nervous. I ate pizza on Saturday so I know I'm going to weigh in higher than I wanted to (urgh). But I know that'll drop down again in no time. I'm nervous for the recovery but keep reminding myself how badly I've wanted this. Yesterday, I went to my grandmas with all of my stuff- she's ready to nurse me back to health. I am so lucky to have such a supportive family. Oh - also my grandma showed me a few more photos at my largest (2 uears ago). I'll post one here. The next time you hear from Me, I'll be on the flat side! See you there! Updated on 21 Feb 2018: I went into surgery yesterday at 9:30am. Everything went well. I did wake up in some pain and with some nausea but that was to be assumed. They treated me well. I felt better soon. The nurses and Dr Murray were all spook amazing. I didn't feel nervous at all. By 4pm I was leaving the hospital... which I was happy about. I got to grandmas and went right to sleep. I was up and down to the bathroom using a walker which was a life saver. The incision stung a little. I was on a clear fluids diet all day. I slept well and in the morning had some soup and a protein bar.... I've been eating solids well since. I took the binder off for a quick peak. Today I am really stiffening up... my back is sore ... the drain ports are what hurt the most though... Everything else is pretty tolerable. Keeping my binder on. I took it off to take a couple quick pictures, I'll post. Otherwise I'm keeping this update pretty quick. I do tucker out quickly ... im very tired and irritable. Makes sense... my bodies been through a lot. I'm very bloated and feel huge but when I took the binder off... eveeven with the swelling I am just tiny!!! Updated on 23 Feb 2018: I am now 4 days post op and THRILLED with my results thus far. Yesterday was REALLY hard. Like... really fu^$&$&ing hard. Everything hurt. I was miserable. I was uncomfortable and upset. But I kind of knew that day 3 would be the worst.... I'd read enough reviews to know day 3 is not easy. Surprisingly day 4 was a great day! I am thrilled with my results. I am SO SMALL. Plus I was able to go to the surgeons office today and have BOTH drains removed as well as my wound cleaned and bandages replaced . Dr Murrays Nurse is an absolute gem. She's seriously an amazing woman and I am so greatful for how good she is at her job. As of tomorrow I can start showing and cleaning my wound. I am already SO MUCH more comfortable without the drains and I know I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight. The excursion was draining however.... some [RS bleep] started mouthing off and raging in traffic while I was trying to get out of the car and get my walker set up.... what a prick. Anyway..... all in all its a good day. I'll post more photos from this morning as well as from the appointment. Updated on 23 Feb 2018: Adding now... Updated on 24 Feb 2018: Day 5. Drains were removed yesterday... stopped taking my painkillers 2 days ago... and had my very first BM. Oh - also my first shower!!! Praise jesus. LOL! Updated on 25 Feb 2018: Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comments. I am so appreciative. This site was such a wealth of information for me. I feel obligated to return the favour. I am on day 6. Had my first BM yesterday.... 4 times. Haha feeling wicked about that. Woke up less bloated and less swollen. Still only taking t3's at night and extra strength Tylenol during the day. Cleaning my wound twice a day and applying polysporin. I am so thrilled with my results. It's been an emotional morning because I'm just so relieved. I can't stop with the before and after photos. So here is another! Updated on 13 Mar 2018: 3 weeks out and I am thrilled with my result. I do swell throughout the day and i still tire out easy... im dying to hit the gym but am told its still too soon. My incision is completely healed, and stitches removed. I will be starting silicone scar sheets today. I went shopping the other day and am thrilled with my new figure! I used to have to be very careful when shopping... only trying on a particular style (long and baggy in the front) I hated it. And I usually left the mall upset and I secure. ... not this time though! My wallets hurt in.... but I tried so many styles that I couldn't wear before! Looking forward to hitting the gym again and making further improvements. Updated on 31 Mar 2018: Hey everyone! Been a while. Now at 5.5 weeks post op! I found out at my follow up that even though I hadn't paid for it (couldn't afford it) that my surgeon tightened my abdominal muscles while he was in there for a better result!! I'm so thrilled. He's such a amazing surgeon. My scars are starting to purple a little but that's normal. I'm swollen a lot too. Especially since I returned to work. This week. While I was at my follow up appointment I snuck in a breast augmentation consult haha. So hoping I can get those in a year or so. Once again j just want to say how amazing Dr Ken murray is and all of his staff. Truly an amazing experience! Updated on 16 Jul 2018: Hello! It has been 5 months and I havent updated in a while. I've had a lot of people asking... so here it is. I am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED with my results. It is healing nicely. I dont mind my scar AT ALL. In fact I like it. Its unique. It tells a story. I have been sporting a bikini all summer :). It is still sometimes sore after exercise or when I press on it but that is to be expected. I changed the name of my review after finding out my surgeon repaired the muscles... so it is now not really a panniculectomy but an actual tummy tuck. I am so grateful that he did that for me :) Meant a longer recovery but well worth it. Ive found it difficult to get back in the gym as often... and I've gained about 7 pounds but its summertime so I'm not going to beat myself up about it. Just keep on track. I ran in the 2018 Mud Hero race this weekend. I was worried I may not be recovered for it but I managed just fine!. I'll post some new pics :)
I have always had large breasts for my small frame. Even before I had my children I suffered from back pain, neck pain and headaches. I am only post op 5 days but already feel instant relief on my back and neck. Healing very well so far. Can't wait to be through this process. Pain was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. A very positive experience. Highly recommend this doctor and his staff!
I did extensive research and met with several doctors prior to deciding on going with doctor Murray - I had seen the work he had done and was very impressed. I had a rhinoplasty several years ago (with someone else) and it didn't turn out well and I was self conscious and afraid to allow anyone to touch it out of fear of it looking even worse but Dr Murray allayed those concerns. With regard to my breasts my main concern was loss of volume so I opted to get 450cc implants, silicone above the muscle. I went in to the Western Surgery Center (again wonderful staff) and was made to feel so comfortable on the day of surgery. Post surgery I was given painkillers and antibiotics (there is a pharmacy right in the surgery center) and had an appointment at Dr Murrays clinic for the next day. After that I had an appointment a week later to get my nose 'cast' off and a few days later to get the stitches from my augmentation out. I had very little bruising from my rhinoplasty and I could not have hoped it would have turned out this well plus the incisions from my BA are healing nicely. I would recommend him (and his amazing staff!) to anyone in a heart beat.
I went into Dr. Murrays office near the middle of my Grade 10 year in high school to look at the possibility of getting a rhinoplasty early in the summer. Dr. Murray was very good to deal with, he noticed and addressed all my concerns in the initial consultation and also, on our second consultation 1 week pre-op he pointed out the need for a septoplasty to be performed during the rhinoplasty free of charge without any hassle. Michele is an extreme delight to work with, she is very kind and caring and she does her job PERFECTLY and helps the surgery centre run flawlessly. The receptionists are both very kind. My anesthesiologist was very knowledgeable and helped me go to sleep without any discomfort or nausea after the surgery. The nurses were also very nice in post-op care! Dr. Murray came to assure me just upon my departure after my surgery that everything went well. I was prescribed painkillers but only needed them for a day after my surgery. The rest of the recovery was not painful, just uncomfortable as there is an annoying cast on your nose. As you can see on my pre op pictures my nose was significantly crooked to the right and I had a dorsal hump, I also had the depressor muscle cut between my nose and upper lip to prevent a droopy nose while smiling. Along with helping me breath better, Dr murray completely fixed all of these aesthetic problems. I have had my cast off for one day and I am already so happy with my results with Dr.Murray. the results look very natural, he is truly an artist! He is very professional and knows exactly what he is doing. I am very grateful for him and his staff and would recommend him in a heartbeat!
My surgery was a total success. It's been about 5 months, and I hardly think about these behemoths anymore! Dr. Murray and the entire staff at the Western Surgical Centre were honestly amazing. I had to go back quite a few times for various reasons (Non-complicated) and was always treated well, and felt they staff really went out of their way to help. I had a really hard time choosing what size and type of implants to pick, and the nurse and doctor were very hesitant to make any suggestions, so I was left with reading a thousand random reviews and photos online to help with the decision. I read a lot about 'Boob Envy', where woman supposedly always wish they had gone bigger after surgery, which persuaded me to go with the larger size, but if I could do it again I would have gotten 400cc or less. Bigger isn't always better, I say, whilst getting hit in the face with these during yoga. Not really. Although I do think I went too large for my frame, everyone who knows I've had it done say they suit me fine. I do wish I had gone smaller, I feel like the implants are putting me off balance, and my posture and abs are deteriorating, but I should exercise more and see a physiotherapist to combat this instead of complain about them. Wearing a tight sports bra helps. Before my surgery I could barely fill a bikini, now I'm self conscious about being r-rated everywhere, especially at the beach. There was a happy medium somewhere, I'm sure, and I missed it. Oh well. My scars are healing great, Dr. Murray made them perfectly even, and all is good! I would go see Dr. Murray again for any other procedures I may need in the future. I have met with 2 other plastic surgeons in this city, and didn't feel good about having anything done until I met with Dr. Murray. I wasn't nervous on the day of my procedure either, I was confident I was in good hands, and the pre-op area was comfortable and my pre-op meet with Dr. Murray went well. My anesthesiologist was pleasant and professional. A very nice nurse walked me into the surgery and I lied down on the warm table and was covered in even more warm blankets and... Done! It all went so fast! I had practiced deep breathing in the waiting area, and before I knew it was waking up and walking around, literally. The post-op nurse I had was so sweet, I will never forget how relieved I was and happy to be post-op, and she seemed to share my excitement and was my post-op Saint. I remember moving around quite a bit, and watching TV. I was totally giddy after (read; heavily drugged and loving it) I felt no pain until about day 3. Actually, days 3 through about 6 were really rough for pain, but nothing I couldn't manage with my meds, ice packs, and distractions. Good luck to anyone going through this procedure! If you have any questions I'm happy to talk, I owe a lot to the info I have learned on this website!
Hello ladies! Since deciding to have plastic surgery, I have become "boob obsessed" on this site! (So has my husband!). About me: 44 years old, 5'5" and 118lbs. I have a two and half year old son and a six month old girl (she'll be six months at sx date)--I am very nervous about caring for them after sx so any suggestions would be great. Also you should know that I am also undergoing upper blepheroplasty and lower facelift at the same time. I know. I'm crazy...only want general once plus I have help during May post operatively. I am on my way to try in sizers again with higher profiles. I'm afraid the Mentor 375cc will be too small after. I am currently a very average A cup and I want a D cup after. I've read that you can expect approx 15% compression with cohesive silicone under the muscle. Today, my husband and I will look at Mentor 375 Mod+, 400 Mod+, 450HP (I think these will be too big) and Allergan style 435cc which the nurse said will give me the most projection. It's hard to judge with sizers since its like two round eggs sitting on each other whereas after the sx, they will be nestled so to speak. I'll let you know after today's try-in! We both have a good feeling about the 435's. Funny! I'll post before pics very soon. I still have 37 days to go! Ugh! Updated on 7 Apr 2013: So we went for sizing again yesterday (Saturday) at the surgery centre. My nurse met me there and surprisingly so did my ps (the centre was closed on Saturday but Michelle the nurse mentioned to my ps that we were coming in again and he just showed up--fantastic rapport!). When I initially tried the sizes, I was convinced that the Mentor 375cc Mod+ were the size I was going with--no questions asked. Well, as I mentioned in my previous post, the Allergan 435cc HP are what I have finally decided on. I was against the 450's initially thinking they looked "fake" but when I compared the measurements with the 435's there is only a 0.3 mm difference in projection height. The Allergan's have the diameter that is good for me with a 4.9 cm projection. The Mentor 450 has 5.2. Really, no one will EVER be able to tell the difference between the two. Even my ps joked that it's more a psychological thing that I have to go through. My deciding factor was that the Allergan's are slightly more firm and they are lighter. I have decided that under the muscle (or dual-plane) is what I will be going with since future mammograms are important to me and the breast tissue is easier to visualize or "read" when implants are placed below the muscles. We also all joked that the fact that my face will be basically "peeled off" and cut away, it's the boobs I am obsessed with! Lol! I guess because the face is out of my control and the implants are solely up to me. Updated on 7 Apr 2013: Added before and sizer pics I'm quite short-waisted; my measurements are 33-26-37 Updated on 8 Apr 2013: Ugh!! 35 days still to go!! How do Imake it go by faster?! :) Updated on 10 Apr 2013: So I'm nearly jumping out of my skin waiting for May 13th! I made rice sizes today some can "get a feel" for how they will feel! Lol! I read up on how much rice to equal approximately my implant size (435) and 422 was the closest I could get...and actually I ran out of rice :(( I'm about 1/3 + 1/8th cupmofnrice short on each side. Oh well! I have to say, I LOVE how they look in a tanktop! Makes waiting even harder..any advice on passing time? I also ordered some post-op comfy bras for when I'm home. I'm even excited to get those!! 33 days, 33 days.... Updated on 13 Apr 2013: Had a nightmare last night that I had no eyelids after surgery...just eyeballs! Yikes. Hope this doesn't continue for long! Updated on 15 Apr 2013: Well, I went to my physician today for a complete check up. Got the "good to go" seal of approval. From there I went to the surgery centre to hand in my medical and when I got home? My very in attractive post-sx bras arrived. Started to feel VERY REAL today. Whew...27 days 27 days...I wish I could sleep until then... :D Updated on 22 Apr 2013: Well..three weeks today and I'm getting more and more prepared. I picked up Arnica tablets and cream, Bromelain capsules and an arm/back rest pillow for my bed (step stool to get in and out...hopefully it works!), lots of lip balm and my night stand is ready for all my meds and drinks. Anything I'm missing ladies?? I have a few concerns (of course): 1) I wear progressive readers in order to see anything four feet or less in front of me. How can I possibly wear my glasses with sutures all around my ears? Contacts aren't an option either since my eyelids will be sutures too. I'll die if I can't read or use my iPhone/iPad :( 2) my son lives to cuddle with mommy...by cuddle I mean he gets me to lay on my back while he lays on top of me (easy right now cuz I'm so flat! Lol!). Plus, while he does this, he runs my earlobes. I'm doomed! 3) what if my eyelids are so swollen I can't see? I'll be super diligent with ice that's for sure. I'll stick up on frozen peas too. 4) I'm afraid of not being able to reach for toilet paper and use it properly!! Anyone else have this problem (sorry if TMI!)?? I can't believe the stuff that is flooding through my head these days. Oh! I HiGHLY recommend staying FAR AWAY from sites that discuss complications such as CC and double bubbles etc. Spent three hours doing that and it totally messed with my head. Any suggestions on how to make the time go by faster? I'm pretty sure time has stopped in my home! (I've been going to the gym a lot now trying to get asynchronous in as I can pre-surg) Updated on 26 Apr 2013: Has any one else felt like crawling out of their skin due to anticipation?? It still feels so far away!! Updated on 29 Apr 2013: Well, two weeks today and ill be under GA right now..ps said 5-5.5 hours for both face and BA surgery. I haven't heard anything from their office about pre-op instructions so I think I'll email his nurse to help put my mind at ease. I'm pretty much set up for after...need bags of peas still! Lol! I think we'd cook them if I bought them too early! Glad this site is here for me to keep occupied...good luck to everyone whose surg is coming up this week! Updated on 30 Apr 2013: Well, I got my pre-op instructions today (!!!). It's all verrrry real now, especially since it read for me to expect to be there for 9-10 hours AND they may catheterize me :(((( Umm...WOW... Updated on 1 May 2013: So I ordered a bunch of VS bralettes and shelf tanks today also a couple of Hanky Panky bralettes (their thongs are THE most comfortable ones I have ever found!). I cannot wait to see how actual BOOBS look in them! Updated on 6 May 2013: I can't believe it's only 7 days away now! I'm getting a little twitchy now...I can't imagine how I'm going to feel the night before! I'm most nervous about waking up from general...I typically have a hard time coming around and usually throw up, even with the anti-nausea meds :((( The pain I think I can handle, it's how crappy I feel from the anaesthetic that has me worried. Any advise??? Updated on 7 May 2013: Well I got my post surgical bras in the mail today. Carefix "Anna" zip-front an seamless (size M). It will stretch to fit DDD apparently. Another woman on here used them (sorry! I can't remember who!) on the recommendation of her ps and nurse friend I think so I decided to order them. I used the company "Zodee" from Australia (amazon.com wouldn't ship to Canada..can you believe that?). I tried them on and they are INCREDIBLY comfortable. I bought a black one and a white one ($116 after taxes and shipping) but I think they will end up being a worthwhile investment. These bras in particular are made for post surgical purposes so they are very well designed. Can't wait to wear them in just 6 days!! I've been nesting this week and planning all the things I won't be able to do for awhile afterwards..haircut (remember I'm having a facelift too), pedicure, Brazilian sugaring etc etc (also coloring my hair so I won't have to for 4 weeks--stupid grey hair!) So now I wait....is it too early to start counting in hours??? :D Updated on 7 May 2013: Well, when it rains it pours. I also got my Hanky Panky bralettes in the ma today; one pink, one purple. I'm so excited to fill them out!! It's funny, the purchase description states that these bralettes are best for small breasted or augmented women. Soon! (I'm already the former! Lol) Updated on 9 May 2013: Perfect timing. I received my vs bralettes and tanks in te mail last night! I'll post sad little before pics in them later today...can't wait to fill them up!!! Updated on 11 May 2013: Well, house is clean, laundry is done, kids are groomed...tick tock, tick tock... I started taking arnica tablets today for my facial bruising. I hope it helps, my ps says he has seen remarkable results for facelifts (not so much for ba's since there really isn't much there anyway). Later today I'll pick up my prescriptions and do some grocery shopping...maybe prepare a lasagne or two for freezing..just gotta keep myself busy! Lol! Thank you for your well wishes! Updated on 11 May 2013: So, help me if I'm missing anything; her is my list: Arnica Bromelain Rx's and schedule written Lip balm Ear buds/iPhone and charger(extra long cord) Pudding cups/jello/crackers Pillows Blankets Comfy pjs Bras Peas and ice bags Stool softener Food for the week Am I missing anything??? My hair is coloured, dipped and stripped (sugaring--everywhere!), pedicure and eyebrows groomed. Bring on the eye surg, facelift and BOOBIES!!! Updated on 12 May 2013: Happy Mothers Day everyone!! I'll be busy washing sheets, a little more grocery shopping and playing with my babies how I won't be able to for awhile...enjoy you day!! Updated on 12 May 2013: Less than 12 hours now..just about to put my kids to bed and cuddle with my son :) I'm remarkably calm right now...I have a feeling ill be watching movies in bed tonight though! Everything is set up and ready to go for 6am. Surgery is at 7:30am (CST) and I will post as SOON as I can...my eyes might be too swollen! Lol! Keep in mind, my surgery is 5.5 hours long and I was told to expect to be there for 9-10 hours. I'll be thinking about all of you knowing your thinking of me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Happy Mothers Day to everyone and be well. Happy healing to everyone and good luck to those boobie buddies going soon too!! See you on the other side!! Updated on 13 May 2013: Sorry it took so long to update! Just a quick bit right now, I'll give you the full story tomorrow. Surgery was only 4 hours not the 5.5 they were thinking. I was home by 4pm. I am remarkably comfortable..chest is tight and swollen but not painful so to speak (unless I use my arms!). I only have Tylenol 3 for pain and it totally helps. My face isn't sore at all, a little burning where the drains are behind my ears but again, not bad at all. I'm going to try to rest for the night now. I'll post all the details tomorrow after my first post op at 4pm Thank you for all of your thoughts and well wishes. (I can't stop staring at the and touching them! Lol!) Updated on 14 May 2013: Ok! Here it is! I got to the surgery centre at 6:30am and walked into the OR promptly at 7:30 and before I knew it I was out they catheterized me due to the length of my surgery and so I didn't have to get up promptly afterwards to pee! (Thank you). The surgery took only 4 hours and I was home by 4pm. I slept pretty well last night getting 2-3 hours at a time only waking to shift my position and adjust my neck pillow. I only took Tylenol 3 for pain and have only needed it twice today (other than the Tylenol, nothing else but the antibiotics). I went for my post op today to remove the bandages from my face and even my ps was very surprised that I have NO swelling from the facelift and only minimal on my upper eyelids (with minor purple bruising). I had the drains removed from my neck and another light dressing placed to protect the sutures around my ears. I saw my face and I have absolutely NO CHICKEN!! I cried! And I don't look pulled at all...I can't wait until the final results appear in a few weeks! On to the BA: I have 90 degree mobility in both arms and can reach easily the top if my head. My sternum is swollen an the muscle above my dominant arm (right side) is tense. In the photos, the right implant appears to be higher, but it is actually they axle that is tensed...the implants themselves are at the same height. I can't even feel the incisions and have minimal numbness on the underside, otherwise I can feel everything as normal. My ps only uses the "Keller Funnel Technique" (see the procedure on YouTube) which means that the implant is sterile and never touched by a hand once the package is open. The sterile implant is placed in a flexible bag (think piping icing bag) that is sterile as well. The narrow end of the bag is placed into the opening and the implant is literally "squeezed" into the pocket. Any adjustments are made by pressing on the outer skin..completely sterile and much less traumatic. Now I'm not saying that my new boobies don't ache because they do. But it is completely manageable with minimal drugs. I have no bruising or post op bloating (I'm peeing like crazy after the iv fluids though!) I did stay in bed too long this morning and all of my muscles in my chest, back and abdomin seized up. That was very painful! Once I started moving around the house, I felt great. I can sit up on my own, get dressed on my own and get into bed all by myself (scooching in my bum!). The silly things like flushing the toilet handle hurts! Lol! I know they are very swollen and tight right now but I am so happy with how they look. I've never had boobs like this in my life! I can't wait to see how the changes occur over the next few weeks!! Tomorrow I think I'll play dress up in my bralettes (which may not even fit these new additions!) and take some pics. I really couldn't be more happy with how everything went. I'm certainly not being superwoman and I'm definitely letting my body dictate how much I can do, but so far? I'm sooo surprised at how smoothly everything has gone (knock on wood!) and I'm so happy I don't have to take stronger pain killers. Thank you to all you beautiful ladies for your support and good luck to all of you getting boo a soon! I'll post pics as they change and keep you updated on how I'm feeling. *hugs* Updated on 15 May 2013: Day 3 post op today. I am continuing to feel really good! Taking the Tylenol 3 only as needed and its not very often anymore. I have full range if motion on both of my arms and the left breast is already starting to soften. I'm still very tight and swollen, especially on the sides of my breasts but I can already see what they will end up looking like! My sternum is sore an swollen but so far, this recovery has been nothing like I expected...WAY easier! I'm not pushing myself and my husband is doing all the work so I can continue to heal well and hopefully will be back to normal is a couple of weeks. My face is swollen and tight too so eating can be a bit challenging, but again very little discomfort. It's weird but I actually feel skinnier with big boobs. I'm so short waisted and have a narrow waist with somewhat curvy hips. I feel more in proportion now than I ever have and my hips look smaller. Even my husband said "Don't take this the wrong way, but you look thinner now!" :)) I'm going to try on my bralettes later and will post pics tonight. Updated on 16 May 2013: It's Thursday now and I keep feeling better and better. I showered by myself today and that felt great finally...I was more worried about my hairline sutures on my face than my BA incisions. All went well! I switched from the ps-supplied surgical bra to my Carefix post op bra and man! What a difference! (White bra in the pre-op pics). If you can find these (Amazon.com I think for USA and Zodee for Canadians) I would absolutely spend the money and buy one or two. I bought size medium and they fit perfectly for my implant size--435cc HP. They do not rub on the incision and support sooo much better than the one supplied by (my) ps office. I still have complete range of motion but the only thing I noticed is that while I was showering and the short time I was naked afterwards, the weight of the girls was definitely evident and I felt it along the incision I was verrry happy to put a support bra back on! Lol! I have another post op tomorrow so I'll keep you updated with pics later! :) Updated on 17 May 2013: So I haven't taken painkillers now in two days, just my antibiotics (and a muscle relaxer to sleep) but that's it. Nothing. I hope some of you find this comforting for your own recoveries. I added a couple of pics and ill keep posting as they change. My right one is still much higher an tighter but I can wait! Updated on 19 May 2013: So no real change to the shape yet (I don't expect that for a while yet) but I feel almost 100%. I drove to my ps appointment today and the only trouble was shoulder checking at a yield because of the sutures all around my ears...nothing with the boobs. I did notice that they aren't happy when they aren't in a support bra though! All it took was a shower and shaving before they felt heavy and pressure on the incision line. So...won't leave them out for very long yet! Lol! Now, what to do with the 4 dozen useless bras in my drawer...hmmm Hope everyone is healing well today! Updated on 21 May 2013: So I'm still feeling really good..I do get shooting pains underneath my right boob but nothing unbearable. They don't last long. My biggest complaint?? Sleeping on my back!! I am fully comfortable sleeping on my side from the BA but the sutures around my ears and temples prevent that...so back and upright it is. It SUCKS. Oh well, it will be over soon enough right? Small price to pay I think! :D I have a feeling my right boob is going to take its sweet time dropping. I'm posting pics today an you can see its still quite torpedo-shaped. Like everyone else...I hope it drops soon!!! ;) Happy healing friends. Updated on 30 May 2013: Day 17 post op and I'm so in live with them! I'm back to 100% and feel like my old self. My right boob is dropping and softening every day while my left one I gorgeous and soft! I sure don't miss skin tubes hanging when I kneel that's for sure! I found a couple if tricks to help me sleep on my side (I found that the top boob hangs and gets sore quickly while on my side). I have a travel neck pillow I used while sleeping upright, well now I place the pillow on my chest and my top boob in the opening! It fits perfectly, supports the top boob and I can rest my top arm on the pillow as well and it avoids putting pressure on the boob!! SO comfortable!! Posting new pics. Forgive my downward facing right boob! I knew going in it would be lower (looks WAY worse in pics than real life--weird) and I'm ok with that. Updated on 11 Jun 2013: June 11 is one month and one day post op. I couldn't be happier! They are soft and squishy, the swelling is gone and I believe they are in their final place now. They completely feel like a part of me and its as though they have always been there. I'm still wearing sports bras for comfort until I get the ok otherwise. I received my "Tonserio" bras today and I'm in love! They are made specifically for augmented women and allow you to wear revealing clothes with support and comfort. I LOVE THEM! I'm posting pics today and you'll noticed that my lefty is still different from my right one. I always knew that it would be like that and I'm still totally ok with it! I'm just sooo happy to have boobs and full out clothes for the first time ever! I'm so happy with my decision to get a ba...if you're on the fence, don't be! I'll post periodically fr now on so happy healing to everyone and good luck to those ba's coming up! Updated on 25 Jun 2013: Went for my final 6 week follow up today and everything is great! I got the "ok" to go bra shopping, full gym activities and sleeping/not wearing a bra if I don't want to!!! Not much has changed now shape wise except I feel like they've always been here and completely a part of me. The shape is what it will always bedroom here on out (well, until I need a lift or revision etc!) Hope all of you are well and I will periodically post pics so stay tuned!
Well hello all! I am a working Mom of 3 boys (3, 5, and 7) married to a wonderful guy for the last 8 years. I had asked my regular doctor about a BR about a year ago and was referred to a PS. Once in his office, and we finished speaking about the BR, I had made a comment that I was not a fan of having my tummy sit in my lap...that should be where my children get to park...not my gut ;) So that was the real beginning of my journey. After leaving the office, and having been told that it could take anywhere for 9-12 months to hear back from the health department of the government as to how much if any of the cost of the BR would be covered, I pretty much put the whole thing out of my mind...until the phone call around Christmas time that started the whole ball rolling again. I found out that the BR was covered, the lipo with relation to the BR was not, and that a small portion of the panus removal would be covered as well! I felt like I had hit the lottery! So I booked a date for just the BR, hemmed and hawed for a while, then called the office back and decided to do both proceedures. Now I am trying to figure out how to explain to my boys that they will have to be very careful around me for a bit, which I know will be hard for them all, as they are very typical little boys full of spunk and energy! Any thoughts would be awesome :D I will post pics as soon as I can bring myself to have them taken! I know that I have appreciated looking at other people's photo journeys, so I will step up to the plate and git-r-done... Updated on 10 Apr 2012: Okey ladies...here is some pics...they are so the most flattering pictures I have ever been a part of (heavy sarcasm!) LOL but I know that once the surgery is over and I can actually take a look at my own before and afters it will be worth it then :D So I had to go to a specialist appointment today to have a mole looked at, which the doc removed BTW, nothing like starting the piece by piece removal of parts of me now :D But that is done, anywho on the drive I was thinking and realized that while I am 5'7" and currently weigh around 210-212lbs (I know, I know...not my ideal weight but it is one that I have stayed at for over a year with very little fluctuation.) I weighed just before I gave birth to our youngest, 289lbs!!!! OMFG! I never really thought about it before, I mean, not really...so that would mean that I have lost around 77-79 lbs in the last 2 years! WOW That was a real eye opener for me...I am sooo looking forward to the end result, thought still freaked out about the reality of the porceedures. Until next time.Updated on 12 Apr 2012:So, I got my confirmation call yesterday and after finally settling my nerves down and now they are al jumping again :) ah well, comes with the territory. Still trying to get things collects, the items stagedx that need to be to get the kidos all set for their events for the first couple of days...like pack the swimming bags, etc...At the beginning of the week I knew that it would be some crazy days, but they are really whipping by right now! OMG...only 6 days left to go and then a whole new look. ANyway, I should jump off thie wicked addicting site and finish up some laundry :0) Have a great evening everyone.Updated on 13 Apr 2012:Well, today has been a whirlwind of a day. RIght now is about the first time that I'm sitting still since we bolted out of the house this morning at 7am. I'm actually very tired today which is strange for me. Typically I do not really slow down long enough to sit still for any length of time. But I'm taking 5 to get caught up on here :) THe next days prior surgery are going to be crazy busy, and that is just with life stuff, not even anything to be getting readyf or Wednesday. WOw are the days flying by! Only 4 more days left! Still feeling nervous and still have the second guessing, definately not sleeping well for the nerves..but I keep telling myself that I will have an opportunity to rest soon enough. I can't seem to pick up enough magazines or books...it's weired...I suppose I'll be catcching up on some reading shortly ;)Updated on 14 Apr 2012:Well, this afternoon I finally stopped my boys long enough to let them know that Mom is going for a surgery and that when the see me after, that I will have a big bandage and some tubes sticking out of me. SO far they kind of brushed over that and latched on to the fact that they are going to spend a night with grandma and grandpa. On a school night even :) I'm sure they will have questions after. My Dh was changing the bandage on my stitches from a mole that I had removed, and all of them were in there like a dirty shirt checking it out. My boys are more visual right now. My younger two didn't like th fact that they will have to be super careful not to jump on me, but they were busy divying up jobs they are going to do to "help" dad take care of me. One said he's making me my coffee, one is on Jello duty and the thrid said he's on soup duty. Should be interesting times :) Anywho, I'm tired out from having 2 other families and there kidos over this evening for dinner and should hit the sack. Tomorrow is yet another crazy day filled with little people birthday parties and such.Updated on 16 Apr 2012:Well, 2 more wake ups for me **GULP** today not feeling so calm...Just realized now much I still (feel like) I need to ge ready, more for the kids than for me though...trying to set up my parents for success if they have to keep the kids longer than one night...tried talking with DH about my fears, his expectations of what I will be able/not able to do for the next little bit...he just sat there and said that he'll take care of it...I am really starting to think that he is in severe avoidance mode right now...which doesn't make it any easier for me to try and cope when it feels like he just isn;t concerned about this at all...I am so full of fears today, real or imaginary...but like most women, I am a worrier...Will I live through the surgery....Will my surgeon do an awesome job....Will the kids be ok without me....WIll my parents be able to not disrupt their days too much...WIll my dad have a heart episode (he's been having weird heart attack like symptoms lately..though his doc is saying that it is "just" panic attacks)...Will the boys be ok at school...Will DH pull through and stop being an avoiding lump...arrgghhh....too many questions, with not enough answers right now...So much for my calm...Well at least tomorrow will be super busy and I will not have the opportunity to worry too much during the day...Working all day tomorrow, then right away off to M+D's for supper, then bolt back to the school with the 2 big kids for parent teacher, then back to M+D's to drop them off for the night...then home to put a bag together for myself for the ride home...then hopefully off to bed before the surgery on Wednesday...whew...that was a lot of thoughts all at once...I should hit the sack...getting tired...finally after about 3 weeks :) I'm not much of a sleeper at the best of times..Updated on 23 Apr 2012:Hey there Ladies! FInally made it to the computer 5 days PO...sorry it took so long :) After the waiting it really hasn't been all that bad. OK So recap...Went in for surgery last Wednesday (april 18). Surgery lasted 4 hours and I had my BR with under the arm lipo for shaping, and full TT. I went into surgery in a buttoned pj shirt that was busting :) and came out with my button pj shirt closed nicely with swelling and bandages :D . As for the TT, doc said thathe repaired my muscle seperation which was about 2 1/2 - 3inches wide, found a thin section of abdominal muscle that he said would have herniated in short order and reinforced that as well. In total removed about 3 kilos (about 6.6 pounds). I still have yet to get a real good look at his work. Though he did say the first time he came around post surgery that "I am going to love it" PRobably the best words I could have heard at that moment. Had all of my drains taken out on the Friday (april20) and what a relief! I honestly don't know how you ladies can have them is for so long!!! Most of my discomfort came from the drains and drain sites so I was more than glad to be rid of them. Saturday DH tried to help me have a shower and as much as I wanted it...I think it was still a bit too soon...not a fun experience for me at all..not at all..after it was all said and done, and me medicaed again...it felt devine...but the process to get there...not so much! I stopped taking the heavy duty pain killers last night and have been nicely living with extra strength tylenol and all is good! The worst part for me, is that I'm such an "on the go" kind of person so the hanging out and doing not much is gettnig hard to take. I have had a busy today though...washed my own hair, did a load of laundry (with help from my Mom who stopped by this afternoon), fed myself, and tidied up a little bit...It feels good to be doing something that's for sure...even sat out on the deck for a little while to change scenery and catch some natural vitamin D. All in all would i do this again if I wanted to...YES...Does the first bit really suck...YES...but each day gets better and easier which is all that counts. I will post pics as soon as I can! I can't wait to look at the before and afters of ME. :) Hope you all are having a wonderful today! Happy healing and caliming thoughts to you all.Updated on 27 Apr 2012:Good Morning! I had another followup on Wednesday. So far all is great. no infection, healing well. THe nurse of my PS clipped some of the knots from the stitches in my belly button and that has greatly decrased my discomfort in that area...she didn't remove the stitches, but took the "scratchy bits off. I get to have that done next week as well for the rest. Gotta say, the knots on my hips are the ones that are driving me nuts now as I have been sleeping on my side for a few days and they kind of dig in. I'm feeling pretty good, only on tylenol extra strength when I remember to take it...not bad considering that I'm only 9 days out :) So glad about that! I'm not a fan of medication, but I do understand the value of it. The boys are all back to being my boys, which is wonderful and frusterating at the same time. I started making a shopping list of clothes that I'll need to replace, and if I can ever get some level of energy that lasts more than 15 minutes that is going to be a fun shopping trip:) Hope you all are having a wonderful day today. I think I'll head out and enjoy a cup of coffee on the deck in the sunshine.Updated on 2 May 2012:Hello Ladies! Well today is officially me 14 days PO. Feeling awesome! Just got back from my PS office and had another check. Had the ends of my stitches and any that were sticking out clipped and was cleared for an excercise bra, spanx, and silicone cream once the last of the scabs fall away. So excited about that! As much as I have come to rely on my compression garments, it will be nice to put something on that is a little bit less bulky so that I can begin to look more like the new me, without all the bulk. So that being said, what is everyone's recommendations with regards to the silicone creams? or sheets? Which have you found to be better? and where do you get them from? My PS office also sells a silicone cream, but seeing as I won't be back to the city for a month for my next check up and I wasn't interested in buying it today...no use having something taking up space when I don't need it yet, I figured if I ordered it online, then at least I would get it when I need it :) Anywho, so excited for the next steps! I will post pics tomorrow! TTYL!Updated on 11 May 2012:Hey all...so...I'm not too sure how I feel today. Kinda not great. The last couple of days I think that I over did things and now that is haunting me. I know that I am only 3 weeks PO, but because I was feeling so much better, I ended up taking on too much at once. My tummy is screaming at me now and so therefore I am going to try and take it easier this weekend. I also am going to update my pics on this 3 week aniversary. Please ladies let me know what you think...I still have the buldges on the hip incisions, but I suppose that is swelling. It seriously looks like one breast is way largr than the other, which sucks. I did have a diference pre-surgery, but was hoping that I would be more "even" if you will after. Feeling kinda bummed out especially after looking at the pictures. I just want to cry :( Anyhow, for the most part my incision are looking good, though my belly button is still pretty gross, it doesn't hurt though, and it isn't oozing so I;m not concerned with infection...could be that my body in that area is not happy with having the stitches there...anyway, I hope you all are having a great today. And if I don't post on Sunday, Happy Mom's Day to you all!!Updated on 17 May 2012:Hey Girlies, I just updated my pics for 4 weeks PO. Just as a side note, I have also lost 12 pounds since the moment before surgery...so 6 pounds from surgery and another 6 on my own! upper excited. It has inspired me to keep watching my portions and staying away from the pop (which is a HUGE win for me...I LOVE my Pepsi!) It is starting to look like I just might break the 200lb mark before I return to work! Now how cool is that! I am super duper excited! I haven't been below 200lbs since durng my first pregnancy and that was 8+ years ago! AH WOO HOO!!!
at the first appointment which was a consult for Rhinoplasty and BLEPHAROPLASTY, he presented himself as a very knowledgeable and caring then his nurse came in giving me the news that they have a sale going on for about 30% discount, made another appointment to make sure he understands what I want, still have our conversation on my phone, then acouple of month after the surgery noticed that under my eyes are not even and the nose was different than before but not for the better one, he claimed that it due to swelling, and his nurses are well trained to defend him, being in healthcare knew that something was not right and that they did not make sense, and my breathing was not corrected either even though he had charged Manitoba health as well.10 months later during another appointment he told me that the surgery has to be done again, and his faithful nurse of no ethics came in started talking another discounted procedure, got to see an ENT specialist who found out that KEN MURRAY had forgotten to re-connect the tip of my nose and it was just hanging, there was a hole in the septum and I had to go for a second surgery . Unfortunately the ENT who did the correction is not willing to testify and our dysfunctional legal system will cost me a fortune, all the doctors who I talked to told me that Ken Murray would not be able to survive in US for 1 day . so do yourself a favor and stay away from ken murray and his nurses.
